Jordan
Toronto, ON
Female, 28
Space Waitress, Trolley Dolly, Stewardess...everyone has their own term for us. We are the baby-sitters, life-savers, servers, cleaners and all-around problem solvers for any and every in-flight issue. Sometimes we get a bad rep for being apathetic and miserable despite having what looks like a glamorous job, so here's a peek into the gritty details beneath the shiny surface to explain why the job - though incredible in lots of ways - is more than just snappy uniforms and matching luggage.
I admire your passion! Having management and customer service skills is a great asset, especially for someone so young. Airlines want crew members who are punctual, professional, and level-headed. And of course, being a people person is ideal, so you're off to a good start! My first question is, are you willing to move? I'm not very familiar with the industry in Louisiana but most major US airlines are based in Atlanta, Dallas, and NYC to name a few. A LOT of cabin crew relocate for the job, pilots included, it's almost a requirement unless you're lucky enough to have a major airline based in your backyard. If you're feeling very adventurous you could even look overseas for a job, since fluency in English is an asset in some countries. Speaking of languages, if you can speak a second language - any language - it always helps! Before my training, I found a girl (via craigslist) to help me practice my French conversational skills. I'm still far from fluent, but have more confidence speaking French on the plane as a result. Studying another language will definitely give you an edge over the competition, and there are a lot of materials available at bookstores and libraries, and even apps to help you expand your knowledge. To be honest, I have co-workers who took college courses in tourism and hospitality, and even specific inflight training classes, and it didn't help them too much when it came to the hiring process. Each airline will give you the training you need and don't require you to have it at the time you apply, so don't spend your time and money there. My advice to you is to keep checking the websites of the airlines that interest you for when they have job openings, and apply! You might have to start in a location that doesn't excite you, and you'll be at the bottom of the seniority food chain (which means lots of on-call shifts and crummy layovers) but it'll get your foot in the door. You might even consider working as a customer service agent in the airport where you live, so that you can meet people in the industry and get hired internally when the cabin crew position becomes available. It doesn't always work, but I'd say about 5-10% of the FAs I work with were once airport staff. I hope that helps, good luck!
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This is a tough question. I would recommend the airline I currently work for but I am trying to retain a bit of anonymity so I'll just say that its business model is based on that of Southwest's, and so I would probably recommend them even though I can't remember ever flying with them! They consistently land in the top employers list of the US and likewise, my airline has been rated one of the best companies to work for in Canada, so I think they have a good thing going; Namely, taking care of their employees (ie health benefits, competitive salaries, opportunities to buy shares within the company) so that they, in turn, can pass on those good vibes to the passengers.
Beyond that however, your guess is as good as mine! I think a lot of flight attendants harbour those same visions of grandeur that Gwyneth Paltrow's character in A View from the Top had, about being a "first class, international" FA. Airlines like Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic for example, have a reputation for being luxurious and elite, and that appeals to potential employees as much as it does to travelers. If you're unattached and willing to relocate, have exquisite customer service skills and a second or third language on hand then by all means, have at her! Go fly with the pros so the rest of us can live vicariously through you! But be warned that the grass always looks greener on the other side. Sometimes it's hard to appreciate what you have when you compare yourself to crew from another airline.
I guess you'll have to decide what you're looking for in a career in the airline industry - long term stability or just something to try for a year or two? The opportunity to travel all over the world or a job with travel perks, but still local enough to juggle family life? Tax breaks overseas, or a homegrown company? Some FAs work for several airlines before they find their fit, so get out there and test the waters!
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Hey there! I get asked this question a lot and I can happily say that the airline takes care of that for you! You get your own room for every city you stay in, usually the whole crew will stay at the same hotel, and transportation to and from the airport is also pre-arranged. Most hotels selected by airlines have certain amenities as well, ie: a fitness centre, access to a crew room (a room with a fridge and microwave if they aren't in your room already), a restaurant either on the premises or very close-by, and free wi-fi. And if you're Really lucky and spending a night (or even a week at some airlines!) in a Carribbean locale, you'll end up at an all-inclusive! So. Much. Fun.
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I wish it did! Unfortunately no, I'm guessing that even rudimentary knowledge would be way beyond the capacity of many flight attendants. Add to that the fact that we will (hopefully!) never put that knowledge into practice and consequently we'll forget it pretty quick. There are so many controls and dials and buttons up in the flight deck that I bet we would do more damage than good if we sat in the Captain's seat. The responsibilities and areas of expertise of the flight crew and flight attendants are very exclusive. Just watch a pilot step into the galley and fumble around looking for the sugar for their coffee and you'll get a sense of how little our knowledge overlaps!
I have worked with a couple pilots that make a habit of showing their crews how to shut off the engines while on the ground, or to turn on the radio while in flight, for example, so there are some pilots out there who agree with you that we should know at least a couple basics.
I've even flown with FAs who have their piloting license which is a great card to pull out of your hat if both pilots conk out. But... if you're flying with me? Sorry I guess we're all doomed!
Happy Flying!
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Is the "women and children first" rule still in effect?
Ha ha, I admire your resourcefullness but the simple answer is not really. We have to pass through customs whenever we leave Canada, just like all our passengers, and I swear sometimes the customs officers are harder on us than anyone else. If we purchase anything for re-sale we have to declare it and pay duty on it. I'm sure if you did it once or twice it could go under the radar, but the airline would certainly frown upon it if you made it a habit and word got out.
The gossip we hear online is always the juicy stuff - ie people getting fired for smuggling in illegal drugs - so I'm no expert on what happens if you start a side business bringing in legal foreign goods, but I can assure you that I never lie on a customs form about how much money I've spent outside the country because those customs guards live to catch you! I've been asked to declare goods for co-workers when they spent more than the legal limit within the time frame allotted and absolutely refused. It's always better to declare your goods than to get caught in a lie and lose your job over it. Airlines won't have your back if you've been trying to pull the wool over the government's eyes!
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Congrats on the offer!
Definitely check out the answer I offered to the previous question:
"I'm pursuing a Flight Attendant career, the only concern I have is, if and when, for any reason, I get relocated, the problem isn't getting relocated, as much as, what do I do, live in motels until I can find a place to live close to the airport?"
So many pilots and FAs commute (ie: fly) to work, it proves that just because a position is based in a certain city, it doesn't necessarily mean you have to live there. Always ask for suggestions from other co-workers and your trainers, but it IS possible to happily commute, despite what naysayers may have you believe.
A lot of FAs will move a couple times before they find something right for them. If you're a homeowner or have kids or a spouse to uproot, of course moving will require a lot of consideration. The best way to make an informed decision about where you want to live, is to work at the airline for a while to get a sense of what works and what doesn't for commuters and locals alike. If it's at all possible, I'd recommend finding a temporary living situation in the new city (a rental, or a friend/co-worker's spare room) until you know more about the work, and what kind of schedule you'll be given, so that you can plan accordingly.
Your new co-workers will be an invaluable resource when trying to decide where to live. Moving can be intimidating, but your fellow crew members will have lots of suggestions (maybe conflicting!) about which neighbourhoods are best to look in, renting vs owning, driving vs transit, etc. When I began training, I requested the emails of the other new hires that would be in my class, so we could swap advice about finding places to stay and car rental. It was informative, helped calm my nerves, and even landed me a roommate.
You've got some tough decisions ahead but you can always change your mind if what you've decided isn't working out. Good luck!
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